Mazda CX-30 long-term test review: report 6

The car Mazda CX-30 2.0 180PS 2WD GT Sport Run by Alastair Clements, special contributor

Why it’s here Slotting in between the smaller CX-3 and the family-friendly CX-5, the new CX-30 offers plenty of style, but can it be as practical as the best family SUVs?

Needs to Blend style with a rewarding driving experience and enough practicality to justify its purchase over more conventional rivals

Miles covered 6075 Price £29,140 Target Price £28,346 Price as tested £29,930 Official economy 47.9mpg Test economy 36.0mpg

15 December 2020 – Chips leave a bitter taste

The aspect of my CX-30 that most friends have commented on when I’ve pitched up in the Mazda has been the colour. And that’s hardly surprising, because the optional Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint – at £790, some £240 more expensive than ‘normal’ metallic or pearl – is a particularly deep, rich and glossy hue.

Out on the road it appeared that I was far from alone in making this choice, and that impression was confirmed at a recent Mazda press event where I learned that an amazing 60% of buyers choose to tick that particular box.

So you can imagine my disappointment when I found a large stone-chip in the bonnet. Now I know these things happen, but I was amazed at how thin the paint covering was. The slender coating given to Japanese cars was always a cliché in the past, but it certainly appears to still hold true, and matching it neatly won’t be the simple job of a touch-up pen. Time to call my local dealer, perhaps?

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Read more on our long-term Mazda CX-30 >>

Read about more long-term test cars >>